sf776 - HOW CAN I FACE THE FUTURE - 12 of 12 ANSWERING LIFES TOUGHEST QUESTIONS (Ecclesiastes 8 7)
Ecclesiastes 8:7
Introduction
Story of the ancient monarch in search of absolute truth.
“This too shall pass!”
In a world filled with change and uncertainty how, can we face the future?
Six guiding principles…
1A. Do Not Presume About Tomorrow
1B. Because the course of our life is unpredictable
(Proverbs 27:1 NIV) Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
2B. Because the length of our life is uncertain
(James 4:14 NIV) Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
2A. Do Not Panic About Tomorrow
1B. Because worry is silly
(Matthew 6:34 NIV) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself…
Worry is our attempt to control the future.
2B. Because worry is a sin
(Luke 12:29-30 NIV) And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. {30} For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
When we worry, we are trying to do God’s job.
3A. Do Not Procrastinate Until Tomorrow
1B. Procrastination is dangerous
(Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT) If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.
If you procrastinate you have a “wait” problem.
Procrastination is my sin; It only brings me sorrow I know I ought to change my life; In fact I will – tomorrow.
It will rob you of opportunities and joys.
2B. Procrastination is deadly
The rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
Joshua 1:1-11
4A. Submit to God’s Plan (2-3)
1B. Let go of the past (2a)
Let go of past relationships that hold us back.
Ø These may be positive or negative
Let go of past sins that bind us.
2B. Take time to prepare (2b-3)
Prepare spiritually
Ø They had to be right with God.
Prepare mentally
Ø They had to be ready to fight (seven nations).
Prepare physically (11)
Ø They needed certain supplies.
5A. Stay in the Word (7-8)
1B. Study it (7)
(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God...
2B. Share it (8a)
(Luke 9:60 NIV) … "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
3B. Secure it (8b)
“Meditate” = to repeat to yourself
(Psalms 119:11 NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
(Psalms 119:15 NIV) I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
4B. Show it (8c)
(James 1:22 NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
6A. Step Out in Faith (9)
1B. Overcome your fear
Fear will paralyze you.
Ø You will never take the first step
Fear will imprison you.
Ø It will keep you in the wilderness.
The antidote for fear is faith
(Joshua 3:15-16 NIV) Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water's edge, {16} the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (the Salt Sea ) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho.
2B. Defeat discouragement
Discouragement will cause you to stop.
Return to God!
(Joshua 7:6 NIV) Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads.
Application
Joshua = savior!
Jesus = Joshua
He came not to possess a land but to possess your life!
(Philippians 4:13 NLT) For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
HOW CAN I FACE THE FUTURE
Answering Life’s Toughest Questions – Part 12 of 12
July 19, 1998 - Ecclesiastes 8:7
1A. Do Not ________________ About Tomorrow
1B. Because the course of our life is unpredictable
(Proverbs 27:1 NIV) Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
2B. Because the length of our life is ______________
(James 4:14 NIV) Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
2A. Do Not _________________ About Tomorrow
1B. Because worry is _______________
(Matthew 6:34 NIV) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself…
2B. Because worry is a _______________
(Luke 12:29-30 NIV) And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. {30} For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.
3A. Do Not Procrastinate Until Tomorrow
1B. Procrastination is ___________________
(Ecclesiastes 11:4 NLT) If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.
2B. Procrastination is ___________________
4A. Submit To God’s ________________ (Joshua 1:2-3)
1B. Let go of the _______________ (2a)
2B. Take time to ______________ (2b-3)
5A. Stay In The _________________ (Joshua 1:7-8)
1B. Study it
(2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2B. _______________ it
(Luke 9:60 NIV) Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God."
3B. _______________ it
(Psalms 119:11 NIV) I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
(Psalms 119:15 NIV) I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
4B. _______________ it
(James 1:22 NIV) Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
6A. Step Out In __________________ (9)
1B. Overcome your ______________ (Joshua 3:15-16)
2B. Defeat discouragement
(Joshua 7:6 NIV) Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the LORD, remaining there till evening. The elders of Israel did the same, and sprinkled dust on their heads.